Are bottom mount fridges better?
Yes, for many households a bottom-mount refrigerator like the Amana ABC2037DEW is “better” because the fresh-food section sits at eye and waist level, so the items you use most often are easier to see and reach. The tradeoff is that frozen items are stored lower in a drawer.
What “better” usually means in daily use
- More ergonomic fresh-food access: less bending for milk, produce, and leftovers
- Better organization for refrigerated foods: shelves and bins are easier to scan quickly
- Freezer is still spacious: but you bend more to load and unload the lower drawer
- Good fit for frequent cooking: fresh ingredients are front-and-center
- Similar cooling performance: “better” is mostly about layout and convenience
Bottom-mount vs. top-freezer: quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount (ABC2037DEW style) | Top-freezer style |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Best (most-used items higher) | Good, but lower shelves require more bending |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer, more bending | Easier reach for frozen foods |
| Organization | Strong for fresh foods | Strong for freezer items |
| Typical buyer | Cooks often, uses fridge more | Uses freezer often, wants simplicity |
Installation and placement tips that affect satisfaction
Even the best layout feels “worse” if the refrigerator is installed in a tight or hot spot. For the ABC2037DEW, we follow the spacing and temperature guidance in the ABC2037DEW owner's manual.
- Avoid placing the refrigerator near ovens, radiators, or other heat sources
- Plan for airflow clearance (commonly about 1/2 inch at the top and 1/2 inch behind the machine compartment cover area)
- Install where room temperature stays roughly 55°F to 110°F
- Keep the cabinet level side-to-side; set the front slightly higher than the back so doors close properly
Why it matters
A bottom-mount design typically improves comfort and visibility for everyday refrigerated foods, which can reduce door-open time and help temperature stability. Proper clearance and leveling also help the compressor and fans run efficiently and keep noise and vibration down.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the average lifespan of an Amana refrigerator?
Most Amana refrigerators, including the Amana ABC2037DEW bottom-mount refrigerator, typically last 10 to 15 years. With consistent maintenance and quick repairs when cooling or sealing issues start, it’s common to reach the upper end of that range.
What affects refrigerator lifespan most
- Condenser coil cleanliness (dirty coils make the compressor work harder)
- Door gasket condition (air leaks cause longer run times and temperature swings)
- Stable temperatures (fresh food should be about 34°F to 40°F, with 37°F as a good target)
- Airflow inside the cabinet (overcrowding reduces circulation and causes uneven cooling)
- How quickly problems are fixed (fan noise, warm temps, frost buildup, water leaks)
Maintenance checklist to help your ABC2037DEW last longer
Use these as a simple routine; the operating and care details are in the ABC2037DEW owner's manual.
- Vacuum and brush dust from the condenser area regularly
- Keep door gaskets clean and ensure doors close squarely
- Avoid packing shelves tightly; leave space for air movement
- Verify temperatures with an appliance thermometer in a glass of water (check after 24 hours)
- Keep the unit level so doors seal properly and drawers slide correctly
Common “wear items” and what they impact
| Symptom you notice | Likely system involved | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Warm refrigerator, freezer OK | Airflow/damper | Poor air transfer shortens compressor life |
| Frost buildup, warming temps | Defrost system | Ice blocks airflow and stresses the fan |
| No ice or slow ice | Ice maker/water supply | Can indicate water flow or ice maker failure |
| Clicking, won’t start cooling | Compressor start components | Repeated start failures overheat the compressor |
If your ice production is the issue, the refrigerator ice maker D7824706Q is a common replacement part for this model.
Why it matters
A refrigerator’s lifespan is mostly about run time and heat. Anything that forces longer run cycles (dirty coils, air leaks, blocked airflow, defrost problems) increases wear on the compressor and control components.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
Bottom-freezer refrigerators like the Amana ABC2037DEW make fresh foods easier to reach, but the tradeoff is that frozen items sit lower and are often stored in deep drawers. That can mean more bending, heavier lifting, and more time searching for items compared with a top-freezer layout.
Common disadvantages to expect
- More bending for frozen foods: You typically squat or bend to access the freezer drawer and lower baskets.
- Heavier lifting: Large frozen items (meat, bulk bags, ice) often need to be lifted up and out of a deep drawer.
- Organization can be harder: Stacked packages in a drawer can hide items; it is easy to forget what is underneath.
- More cold-air loss during browsing: A wide drawer can dump cold air quickly when left open while you search.
- Can feel “smaller” for bulky items: Tall boxes may not fit as easily if the drawer height is limited by baskets or rails.
Tips to reduce the downsides (works well for ABC2037DEW)
We recommend these habits to keep the freezer colder and easier to use:
- Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate.
- Avoid overloading the freezer with warm food at one time; it slows freezing and can warm frozen foods.
- Keep hard-to-freeze items (like ice cream) in the freezer interior, not on the door.
- Aim for a freezer that is about two-thirds full for efficient operation.
- Organize by zones (meats, vegetables, ready-to-eat) so the drawer stays open for less time.
Quick comparison: bottom freezer vs top freezer
| Feature | Bottom freezer | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Access to fresh foods | Easier (eye level) | More bending for fridge items |
| Access to frozen foods | More bending | Easier (higher) |
| Freezer organization | Drawer stacking can hide items | Shelves can be easier to see |
| Cold-air loss while open | Often higher (wide drawer) | Often lower (smaller door) |
Why it matters
Freezer temperature and airflow affect food quality. The ABC2037DEW manual emphasizes leaving space for airflow and avoiding warm-food overloads; both are especially important with a drawer-style freezer where it is tempting to “pile and close.” For model-specific use and temperature control guidance, follow the ABC2037DEW owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026





